The latest update from the Air Accident Investigation regarding the Shoreham Hawker Hunter crash has released an interim statement giving seven recommendations regarding vintage military jets so XH558 did retire at the right time!

My understanding (and perhaps some of those with hands-on experience can chip in) is that the Vulcan is, structurally, an order of magnitude more complicated that something like a Meteor, Vampire, Hunter or Canberra? Mini vs. mk2 Jag.

Very interesting AAIB report. Bit confusing but seems to make two points:-1/ Components to maintain ejector seats in civilian hands are no longer available.2/ Swept wing aircraft are not currently allowed to fly without correctly maintained and operational ejector seats.

To quote:-

"In February 2015 the ejection seat manufacturer ceased to provide technical supportor replacement parts for ejection seats fitted to aircraft which no longer operate in theiroriginal military role. Ejection seats installed in civil-operated ex-military aircraft fall intothis category and replacement cartridges manufactured by the original manufacturer are nolonger available. As a result, the ejection seat manufacturer considers that such ejectionseats should be deactivated to prevent the risk of inadvertent operation. This is contrary tothe current CAP 632 requirement for ejection seats in swept-wing aircraft to be operated ina fully operational and armed condition. "

So something has to give or its the end of privately operated swept wing jets in this country?

In terms of Shoreham all rather by-the-by. An earlier report said the pilot formed the top of the loop at far too low an altitude to complete the manouvere and exit at the same height he started at - 'why?' is the big question.